Flexible Mop Head

ABSTRACT

A wiping tool for arcuate surfaces is disclosed which includes a flexible base and at least one cover attached to the flexible base and a handle attached to the upper surface of the flexible base so that a lower arcuate surface of the flexible base may be aligned with an arcuate surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of tools for wiping, and more specifically to the field of tools for wiping arcuate surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surface preparation is a critical task in certain manufacturing environments, especially, for example, in the automotive and aviation industries. Whether the surface being prepped is formed of metal, plastic or a composite material, the surface must be free of foreign objects and debris. As many of the manufactured surfaces being prepared are curved or arcuate, commonly available wiping tools are not suitable as their wiping surfaces are planar or flat. To overcome this lack of appropriate tools, many companies use woven rags such as cotton rags to prepare the arcuate surfaces. Such rags may leave small bits of fiber on the surface during the wiping process which is not desirable as these small bits of fiber must be removed before the surface can proceed through the manufacturing, repairing or painting process. As such, there remains a need for wiping tools which satisfy the surface preparation needs of these industries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to wiping tools that are particularly suitable for use on arcuate surfaces. The wiping tool may include a flexible base including an upper surface and a concave lower surface. In selected embodiments, the flexible base may be a unitary base having at least two apertures formed therein. In such embodiments, the flexible base may be formed of plastic. At least one removable cover having a lower surface and an upper surface may be removably attached to the flexible base so that at least a portion of the upper surface of the removable cover is positioned adjacent to the lower surface of the flexible base.

A handle may be attached to the upper surface of the flexible base. Any number of types of handles may be used with the present invention. The handle may be attached near the center of the flexible base, and may be configured to apply force to the flexible base to align the concave lower surface of the flexible base with an arcuate surface. The lower surface of the removable cover is preferably disposed between the arcuate surface to be cleaned or treated and the lower surface of the flexible base. Some handles may be adapted to permit the flexible base to rotate with respect to the handle.

The wiping tool may also include a cover attachment mechanism including a first element positioned on the cover and a second element positioned on the flexible base. The first and second elements are configured to connect to each other so that the upper surface of a cover is disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the flexible base while the wiping tool is in use. In some embodiments, the cover attachment mechanism may be a hook and loop fastening system having a hook portion and a loop portion. The first element may be the hook portion while the second element may be the loop portion, or vice versa. Alternately, the first element of the cover attachment mechanism may be an opening formed in the cover while the second element of the cover attachment mechanism may be a hook extending upwardly from the upper surface of the flexible base.

The cover may be formed from different materials, and may be formed of absorbent materials which are capable of absorbing and retaining liquids so that they may be removed from an arcuate surface. The cover may also be formed of absorbent materials which release liquids such as solvents or other liquids onto an arcuate surface.

The invention will be described in greater detail below by reference to particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible head of a wiping tool of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a different side view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the flexible head of the wiping tool depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is the embodiment of flexible head depicted in FIG. 1 further including a cover and a handle attachment feature.

FIG. 13 is the embodiment of the flexible head depicted in FIG. 1 further including two covers and a handle attachment feature.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of the flexible head depicted in FIG. 6 further including a handle attachment feature and a cover.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the flexible head depicted in FIG. 6 further including a handle attachment feature and a cover.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a cover.

FIG. 17 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a cover.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and figures is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used with another embodiment, to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations to the embodiments described herein.

The present invention is directed to a wiping tool 10 for arcuate surfaces and is shown in FIGS. 12-15. As seen in FIGS. 1-5, the wiping tool 10 may include a flexible base 12 having an upper surface 14, a concave lower surface 16 and a periphery 18 as seen in FIGS. 1-3. The flexible base 12 may include apertures 13, and 17 which assist the flexible base 12 to conform to an arcuate surface and enable improved wiping and preparation of the surface. The flexible base 12 may be configured in a variety of shapes and is not limited to the rectangular and triangular configurations depicted in the figures.

The wiping tool 10 may be used on concave and convex surfaces, such as, for example, surfaces of large manufactured goods such as planes, trains and automobiles. The wiping tool 10 may also be useful on surfaces which undergo changes in curvature, as the flexible base is able to bend to conform to the varying surface. In selected embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8-10, the concave lower surface 16 of the flexible base 12 may have a radius of at least about 20 inches, and in some embodiments a radius of at least about 30 inches.

The embodiment of the flexible base 12 depicted in FIG. 1 also includes first and second hooks 32 and 33, respectively. The embodiment of the flexible base 12 depicted in FIG. 6 includes three hooks 32, 33 and 35.

End walls 80 may also be formed at selected positions along the peripheral edge 18 of the flexible base 12. End walls 80 may assist in positioning the cover 20 properly on the base 12 and may also assist in preparation of particular surfaces.

The flexible base 12 may be formed of a number of materials, and is preferably formed of plastics such as, for example, nylon, polyester, polypropylene and high density polyethylene. The flexibility of the base 12 may be tailored to the needs of the specific wiping tasks, and can be tailored by balancing the properties of the material used to form the flexible base and the configuration of the apertures in the flexible base.

A cover 20, exemplary embodiments of which are shown in FIGS. 12-17, may be positioned on the flexible base 12 and can be designed to accomplish numerous functions, such as removing particulates or applying materials such as solvents to the arcuate surface. The cover 20 preferably includes an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 24, the lower surface 24 adapted to contact the arcuate surface to be prepared. The cover may be formed of any number of materials which meet the needs for the particular surface to be prepared. By way of example and not limitation, the cover may be formed from woven materials and/or nonwoven materials, and may include rigid portions to assist in retention of the cover 20 to the flexible base 12. The lower surface 24 may be formed of (or have applied thereto) materials which may absorb or apply various solutions, liquids, suspensions or emulsions to the surface. For example, the following products may be applied using the flexible wiping tool: methyl ethyl ketone, methyl propyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, toluene, skydrol, butyl alcohol, diethylene glycol, polysulfide sealants, and kerosene. Other substances may also be applied or removed using the flexible wiping tool.

A cover attachment mechanism may be used to temporarily attach the cover 20 to the flexible base 12 and may include a first element which may be positioned on or be an integral part of the cover 20 and a second element which may be positioned on or be an integral part of the flexible base 12. The first and second elements connect to each other to position the upper surface 22 of at least one cover 20 adjacent to the lower surface 16 of the flexible base 12. Many different cover attachment mechanisms may be utilized in the embodiments of the present invention. For example and as shown in FIG. 16, the first element of the cover attachment mechanism may be a first opening 64 formed in the rectangular cover 20 while the second element may be the first hook 32 positioned on the flexible base 12. The cover 20 may be applied to the flexible base 12 by first securing the opening 64 positioned at the first end 60 of the cover 20 onto the first hook 32. The surface 22 of the cover 20 is positioned adjacent to the lower surface 16 of the flexible base 12. The second end 62 of the cover 20 is brought over the peripheral edge 18 and the wall 80 so that the second opening 66 is positioned over and engages the second hook 33 on the upper surface 14 of the flexible base 12. As shown in FIG. 16, the cover may also include a pad 68 positioned on the lower surface of the cover 20 to provide increased absorbency, wear-resistance or resiliency.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 17, the triangular configuration of the flexible base 12 can be utilized with a cover 20 having a similar shape. Such a cover may have an end 70 and an opening 66 formed proximate to that end. The cover 20 may have a pocket 74 formed at the opposite end 72 of the cover 20, the pocket 74 adapted to be positioned over two ends of the triangular flexible base. The central portion 76 of the cover 20 is positioned adjacent to the lower arcuate surface 16 of the flexible base 12. Alternate cover shapes and configurations may be used with the present invention. For example, a triangular-shaped cover may include three ends similar to end 70 which may each include an opening 66. Each of the openings 66 may engage one of the hooks 32, 33 or 35. Alternatively, a hook and loop fastening system having a hook portion and a loop portion may be used as a cover attachment mechanism 14 wherein the first element may be the loop portion and the second element may be the hook portion.

In selected embodiments and as shown in FIG. 13, more than one cover may be removably attached to the flexible base simply by applying an additional cover directly overlaying a first cover.

A wide variety of handles may be attached to and useful with the flexible base of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, a handle 30 may be attached to the flexible base 12 using posts 34 which engage a rotatable handle connector 40 (FIGS. 12-15) which is attached to a lower end of handle 30. FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7 and 12-15 depict two posts 34 positioned centrally on the upper surface 14 of the flexible base 12. The posts 34 are preferably attached proximate to the uppermost point of the arc formed by the flexible base 12. As seen in FIG. 14, a handle connector 40 is shown which includes a lower connector portion 42 and an upper connector portion 50. The lower connector portion 42 further includes a post connector 44 which, as seen in FIG. 14, is positioned between the posts 34. An aperture (not shown) extends through the post connector 44 and is aligned with the apertures 36 in the posts 34. A bolt and nut assembly 38 is used to rotatably secure the lower connector portion 42 of the handle connector 40 to the posts 34 by passing the bolt through the aligned apertures 36 and 46. In some embodiments, washers 58 may also be utilized with the bolt and nut assembly 38.

As shown in FIG. 14, extending upwardly from the post connector 44 is a C-shaped bracket 48. The upwardly extending arms 49 of the C-shaped bracket 48 are positioned perpendicular to the aperture (not shown) which extends through the post connector 44 and through which the bolt passes.

The upper connector portion 50 of the handle connector 40 as seen in FIG. 12 includes internal threads 52 at the uppermost portion of the upper connector portion, allowing a handle 30 to be threadably engaged with and retained within the upper connector portion 50. While the figures disclose one way to connect the handle 30 to the flexible base 12, many other attachment configurations are suitable for use with the present invention.

The handle 30 is attached to the upper surface 28 of the flexible base 12 so that when force is applied through the handle 30 to the flexible base 12, the flexible base 12 flexes so that the concave lower surface 26 becomes more aligned with the particular arcuate surface. As the handle 30, which is preferably but not necessarily attached to the upper surface 28 of the flexible base 12, applies force to the flexible base 12 to align the concave lower surface 16 with an arcuate surface, the lower surface 24 of the removable cover 20 is positioned between the arcuate surface and the lower surface 16 of the flexible base 12. The lower surface 24 of the cover 20 may then be used to remove objects from the surface or apply a substance to the arcuate surface.

Alternate constructions of the flexible base 12 may include two or more flexible sections which are attached via hinges or other connecting mechanisms which selectively restrict the movement of the flexible sections so that the lower surface of the flexible base may be aligned with an arcuate surface. The hinges or other connecting mechanisms must also be constructed so as not to create points of pressure through the cover onto the arcuate surface being wiped.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to features of the dispenser described herein, particularly to the mechanical and control circuitry aspects of the dispenser, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the invention include all such variations. 

1. A wiping tool for arcuate surfaces, the wiping tool comprising: a flexible base including an upper surface and a concave lower surface; at least one removable cover having a lower surface and an upper surface, at least a portion of the upper surface of the removable cover positioned adjacent to the lower surface of the flexible base; a handle attached to the upper surface of the flexible base, wherein the handle is configured to apply force to the flexible base to align the concave lower surface of the flexible base with an arcuate surface, wherein the lower surface of the removable cover is disposed between the arcuate surface and the lower surface of the flexible base.
 2. The wiping tool of claim 1 wherein the handle is rotatably attached to the flexible base.
 3. The wiping tool of claim 1, wherein the flexible base is a unitary base having at least two apertures formed therein.
 4. The wiping tool of claim 1, further comprising a cover attachment mechanism including a first element positioned on the cover, and a second element positioned on the base, wherein the first and second element connect to each other to position the upper surface of at least one cover adjacent to the lower surface of the flexible base.
 5. The wiping tool of claim 4, wherein the cover attachment mechanism is a hook and loop fastening system having a hook portion and a loop portion, and wherein the first element is the loop portion and the second element is the hook portion.
 6. The wiping tool of claim 4, wherein the first element of the cover attachment mechanism comprises at least one opening formed in the cover and the second element of the cover attachment mechanism comprises at least one hook extending upwardly from the upper surface of the flexible base.
 7. The wiping tool of claim 1, wherein the cover is formed of a nonwoven material.
 8. The wiping tool of claim 1, wherein the cover is formed of an absorbent material.
 9. The wiping tool of claim 8, wherein the cover further includes a solvent.
 10. The wiping tool of claim 1, wherein the concave lower surface forms a radius of at least about 20 inches.
 11. A wiping tool comprising: a base including an upper surface, a lower surface, a peripheral edge and at least three apertures extending through the base, wherein the lower surface of the base forms an arc; at least one cover; a cover attachment mechanism including a first element positioned on the cover, and a second element positioned on the base, wherein the first and second element connect to each other to position at least one cover adjacent to the lower surface of the base; a handle attached to the upper surface of the base, wherein the handle is positioned proximate to an uppermost portion of the arc so that force may be applied through the handle to at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the base to position the cover adjacent to an arcuate surface.
 12. The wiping tool of claim 11 wherein the handle is rotatably attached to the flexible base.
 13. The wiping tool of claim 11, wherein the first element of the cover attachment mechanism comprises an opening formed in cover and the second element of the cover attachment mechanism comprises a hook extending upwardly from the upper surface of the flexible base. 